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Cerebellar abiotrophy (CA)

General description

Foals affected with CA appear normal at birth. Around six weeks of age (although sometimes as late as four month), the disease causes the death of neurons in the cerebellum, leading to head trem

Breeds

Anglo-Arabian, Arabian Horse, Shagya Arabian

Order details
Test number8214
AbbreviationCA
Sample material0.5 ml EDTA blood, mane/tail hair roots
Test duration3-5 working days
Test specifications
Symptom complexneurological
Inheritanceautosomal recessive
Age of onset6 weeks - 4 months
Causalitycausally
LiteratureOMIA:000175-9796
Detailed description

Foals affected with CA appear normal at birth. Around six weeks of age (although sometimes as late as four month), the disease causes the death of neurons in the cerebellum, leading to head tremor and a lack of balance equilibrium (ataxia), among other neurological deficits. The neurological problems may not be apparent to owners and frequently thought to be a consequence of a fall rather than CA. Signs of CA are variable. Some foals show very severe signs, including the exaggerated gaits and a dramatic lack of balance. Others have littel more than the head tremor, which may only manifest itself during goal-directed movement.